Sox acquire reliever from Cubs

Credit: AP

Four months after letting Epstein escape the final year of his contract to become the Chicago Cubs president, the Red Sox received hard-throwing reliever Chris Carpenter in return. Although the issue lingered long enough that the commissioner’s office threatened to intercede, Sox general manager Ben Cherington said the teams negotiated the deal without assistance.

There is, however, one unsettled matter. In what Cherington described as an “extra element in the trade,” the teams swapped players to be determined before the end of spring training.

“I think it took this long because it was a unique circumstance,” Cherington said. “We talk with teams all the time about trades, and it’s players for players and it’s easier to assign value and figure out what’s fair, what’s not fair. In this case, it was tougher because it involved not just an executive but a friend. But we’re glad it’s done.”

Not to be confused with St. Louis Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter, the Carpenter acquired by the Red Sox is a 26-year-old right-hander who made his major league debut last season and posted a 2.79 ERA in 10 appearances for the Cubs. His fastball has reached 100 mph, but he also has struggled with his control.

Although Carpenter will compete for a spot in the bullpen, he has options that allow him to be sent to the minors without being exposed to waivers.

“We’re really happy to have him,” Cherington said, adding that the team scouted Carpenter since his college days at Kent State. “He’s a young, power-arm reliever we think has a chance to be a really good big league pitcher.”

Before they agreed to let Epstein leave, the Red Sox insisted on “significant” compensation from the Cubs. Problem was, the sides were unable to define “significant,” with Epstein claiming there was little precedent for substantial compensation for executives.

In a statement released by the Cubs, Epstein said he was “particularly pleased that the teams were able to reach agreement on their own without intervention from MLB.”

“I truly hope and believe that this resolution will benefit both clubs,” Epstein continued, “as well as Chris, who is an extremely talented reliever joining a great organization at a time when there’s some opportunity in the major league bullpen.”

To open a spot on the 40-man roster, the Sox placed reliever Bobby Jenks on the 60-day disabled list. After two offseason surgeries on his back, Jenks isn’t close to being ready to resume baseball activities and has been labeled by manager Bobby Valentine as a “back-burner guy.”

In the swing

Left fielder Carl Crawford took 15 swings off a tee and appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery from left wrist surgery. It remains uncertain whether he will be ready to play by Opening Day in Detroit.

“He seems very excited to be here and get going,” Cherington said, “but we’re not going to put a timeline on it. We need Carl back when he’s ready.

“We know what kind of player he’s going to be when he’s ready.” .â€‰.â€‰.

The Sox moved pitcher John Lackey (elbow surgery) to the 60-day DL and returned lefty reliever Rich Hill to the 40-man roster. Hill might be ready to pitch by May after having Tommy John elbow surgery last year. Lackey is expected to miss the season. .â€‰.â€‰.